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Patrick van Aanholt was taken out of Sunderland’s starting line-up at Spurs on advice from the FA. (Getty Images)

David Moyes has confirmed that Patrick van Aanholt was withdrawn from Sunderland’s clash with Tottenham due to the results of a cardiology test.

The 26-year-old was named in the starting line-up at White Hart Lane but was replaced by Jason Denayer just 15 minutes before kick-off.

After Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat, Moyes stated that ‘medical reasons’ were the reason for the Dutchman’s withdrawal but refused to elaborate further.

But the Scot has now confirmed that Sunderland were informed of the results of Van Aanholt’s cardiology test by the Football Association and were told at 3:50pm that he couldn’t play against Tottenham.

‘He had the statutory checks with the cardiologists and the FA panel of cardiologists looked at it and advised us really late on Sunday that he should not play until further tests had taken place,’ said Moyes.